Johnathan Walker:George Kittle injury update: Is 49ers TE playing in Week 3?

The Johnathan WalkerSan Francisco 49ers are entering their Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams significantly shorthanded on offense.

Both Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel have already been ruled out for the divisional clash. McCaffrey is on IR with a calf injury and Achilles tendonitis while Samuel is dealing with a calf strain that he said will keep him out for a week or two.

Now, another member of the 49ers' passing game has had his status for Week 3 thrown into question. That would be star tight end George Kittle.

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Here's what to know about Kittle's status as the 49ers look to bounce back following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

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George Kittle injury update

Kittle official did not participate in Thursday's practice because of a hamstring injury, according to the 49ers' injury report. He is reportedly dealing with "tightness in his hamstring" that caused him to miss 49ers practice on Thursday. per ESPN's Adam Schefter. His status for Week 3 is now "in question" because of the injury.

Kittle played 51 of the 49ers' 70 offensive snaps against the Vikings in Week 2. He recorded a team-high seven catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.

However, it's also worth noting that Kittle was carted to the locker room while dealing with a cramping issue. He was given an IV and was able to return to the game.

But now, the veteran finds himself at less than 100 percent again as he looks to see the field in this week's 49ers vs. Rams game.

Will George Kittle play Week 3?

Kittle's status for the 49ers' Week 3 game against the Rams is currently unknown. His availability may depend on whether he is able to practice Friday or whether he his hamstring injury improves with rest over the days before the Sunday afternoon matchup.

Neither Kittle nor the 49ers have addressed his status yet. An update should be expected by Friday afternoon, at the latest.

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Who is George Kittle's backup on 49ers depth chart?

Eric Saubert is listed as Kittle's primary backup on the 49ers depth chart. The 49ers are the eight-year veteran's 10th team since being a fifth-round pick out of Drake in the 2017 NFL Draft and he has just 38 catches for 318 yards and two touchdowns during his career. As such, he doesn't figure to be much of a receiving threat if he has to replace Kittle.

Jake Tonges is the only other tight end on the 49ers' 53-man roster. The third-year pro has never caught a pass during his NFL career. Neither have the two tight ends San Francisco has on its practice squad, Brayden Willis and Mason Pline.

Saubert would likely get most of the 49ers' reps if Kittle can't play, but fullback Kyle Juszczyk can't be counted out from having a role to play at the position. Still, San Francisco being without Kittle could be catastrophic for their offense, especially with Samuel and McCaffrey already sidelined.

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George Kittle stats

Kittle has recorded 11 catches for 116 yards so far this season. Both marks rank second on the 49ers behind only Samuel.

Kittle is also the lone 49ers player to catch a touchdown pass from Brock Purdy. Samuel and Jordan Mason have combined to score San Francisco's three other touchdowns thus far in 2024, but all have come on the ground.